More than 1,500 Tayside patients have been seen virtually by healthcare staff this month in a dramatic rise in the use of online technology.
With access to hospitals and GP surgeries restricted as part of the pandemic response, maximum use is being made of the Near Me video link system which allows clinicians to speak to patients remotely.
People can arrange an appointment via video call and are then directed to an ‘online waiting area’ for consultation.
The four-figure patient tally in April is a dramatic increase in the 250 figure for the entirety of 2019.
Last month saw the service used almost 450 times.
Anne Ritchie, a specialist nurse in the dermatology department at Ninewells Hospital said she was a “complete convert” to the Near Me system.
“I was reluctant to begin with, mainly because I thought I would struggle with the technical side of things. I honestly could not have been more wrong, it is so easy once you know how.
“Using virtual appointments has been a godsend during these trying times and has allowed me to continue to monitor my patients and arrange their prescriptions without the need for them to come to hospital.
“This has been particularly important for dermatology patients who are immuno-compromised due to their medication and therefore at a higher risk of contracting the virus. I will definitely continue to use Near Me beyond coronavirus.”
Dr Moira Kennedy, a GP Partner at the Mill Practice in Dundee said: “We have even used it in a care home setting which, given the current risk of coronavirus, has been invaluable.
“It has allowed us to see and talk to all manner of patients for a variety of reasons and once the patient gets the hang of using the camera on their phone it is really very simple to use.
“I believe it is a very useful tool, not just during the current pandemic but also moving forward once this crisis is over.”
NHS Tayside director of digital technology, Laic Khalique said, “This is an unprecedented change in the way we deliver our health services and is real tribute to our staff who have adapted very quickly to new ways of working.
“The digital team is working extremely hard to ensure that these changes deliver long term benefits to our patients beyond the Covid-19 response so that in future, where clinically appropriate, the majority of our patients will be able to access our appointment services remotely, reducing travel and offering a service that is much more convenient for our patients.”
